Cities Fighting Volusia To Keep Beach Control

DAYTONA BEACH — A proposal to have the Volusia County government take control of its beaches met stiff opposition Monday from elected officials of two coastal cities.

Representatives from Ponce Inlet and Daytona Beach Shores said they opposed surrendering authority over the beaches within their boundaries. Representatives from Daytona Beach said they have not formed an opinion on the issue.

''I don't believe the county could be more efficient than the cities,'' Ponce Inlet Councilman Donald Anderson told the Volusia Interlocal Beach Commission.

''A county takeover would be a real step backwards,'' said Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Donald Large.

The beach commission, with representatives from Halifax-area cities and the county, asked representatives from the governments if they would consider amending the county charter to transfer authority over the beaches to the county. Beaches are regulated by Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ormond Beach, Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach and Volusia County.

Supporters say a single authority would result in unified beach policies instead of the hodgepodge of regulations that now govern the beach.

Volusia County Councilman Jack Ascherl said cities still could adopt policies unique to their community, but the Halifax peninsula, stretching from Ponce Inlet to Flagler County, should have a long-range plan to help coordinate those policies.

''We are not asking to impose one set of rules for the entire beach,'' said County Councilman Kurt Massfeller, chairman of the beach commission.

The beach commission took no action during the workshop meeting.

Ormond Beach Mayor Nick Fortunato was willing to consider ways to coordinate beach policy, but said he saw no advantage to amending the county charter.

A county charter committee is appointed every 10 years to consider changes in the charter under the county's home rule form of government. Its recommendations, which include beach management, are expected in May.

Another alternative suggested by the beach commission is for the county to appoint an authority or commission to manage beach activities. The authority could be appointed by local governments, made up of representatives of these governments or be independent.

Several legal questions need to be resolved: Would the transfer of authority also transfer liability to the county? Would cities still have the authority to levy tolls and regulate driving on the beach?

The liability question has concerned city officials since last year when court rulings and state laws placed a greater burden on local governments to absorb the responsibility of beach-related traffic accidents.

''It's a two-side sword,'' said Dean Sprague, assistant to County Manager Tom Kelly. ''I'm not sure the county will be interested in taking over control of the beaches.''